Randy Simms steps down as VOCM Open Line host

VOCM Open Line host Randy Simms announced his retirement this morning on the show.

Simms came under pressure after an on-air spat with Simeon Tshakapesh, chief of the Mushuau Innu band council in Natuashish.

Simms called Tshakapesh "stupid" during a confrontation over the chief's decision to hunt the George River caribou after a provincial five-year ban was put into effect. The call ended with Simms hanging up on the chief.

Simms apologized the next day for the incident saying he regretted the way it had spiralled out of control and that he had broken his own rule to keep his show in a debate format.

Earlier this week Steele Communications General Manager Mike Murphy made an official apology from the station. Murphy told The Telegram this additional apology was from VOCM and was to Chief Tshakapesh, the Innu people and VOCM listeners.

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